Norman York, III

Lyndonville, VT: Norman E. “Buzzy” York, III, age 75, of High Street, died unexpectedly at his home, Tuesday evening, May 28, 2024, from an apparent medical event.

Buzzy was born near Portland, ME, on September 9, 1948, son to the late Norman, Jr. and Margaret Louise (Dunn) York.  He grew up in Hiram, ME until his family moved to St. Johnsbury when he was eight years old.  He went to St. Johnsbury Trade School graduating with the Class of 1966 and joined the U.S. Marines serving in Vietnam.  He received a Purple Heart from injuries sustained there.  Over the years he became a member of the Marine League and the Vet’s Club, the Meuller-Strong Marine Club that runs “Toys for Kids” drive each year; he also worked on the Veterans’ Summit, participated in many Vietnam Vet reunions and was invited to speak on a number of occasions at Vermont State University and the Burke Town School about his life and experiences in the Marines. He married Ruth E. Meigs on June 9, 1973, at which time they made their home in Lyndonville and raised their family. 

Buzzy’s first jobs were daily paper routes for the Free Press and the Caledonian and at Brightlook Hospital as an Orderly. Then he worked 38 years for 4 different railroad companies beginning with Maine Central, Canadian Pacific RR serving as the Union Steward, Central Vermont and the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad where he was the Engineer. Buzzy was the 3^rd generation of Yorks to work on the railroads. He was a member of the Hiram Historical Society and also an invited guest speaker to Lyndon Institute to teach classes on Railroad Safety. 

His family was central to him and always came first, following along with all their endeavors and the grandkids too. This included baseball, soccer, football, figure skating, basketball and golf!    His sports knowledge was formidable, especially baseball and he had an incredible knack for trivia on every subject. He helped coach baseball, was a Webelos leader in the scouts, and was very active at Grace United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and holding the Secretary and Treasurers seats for the men’s group.  He raised funds to benefit summer camp scholarships and did so many things for people throughout his life of which they had no knowledge. 

Norman could recite poetry, had a great sense  of humor, but quite dry at times. He enjoyed building things for the house and for the kids.  He made train tables for the grandkids with all the accessories they wanted.  He rode a Honda Goldwing and decorated it with Winnie the Pooh characters, with custom helmets, even, and he did well on his goal of visiting all the baseball stadiums in the country. He loved holidays, and went all out for Halloween, dressing as the Grim Reaper, and decorated for Christmas with beautiful lights. He loved all animals, most especially his dogs, Rowdy and Charlie Brown.

Norman is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ruth, of Lyndonville, 3 children: Chauncey Morris (Ivy) of Florissant, CO, Brian York (Faye Brown) of Lyndonville, Karen Rae York (Ben Robinson) of Sheffield, a sister: Patti York (Annette Skelton) of Hawthorne, NJ, 5 grandchildren: Marci Morris, Dale & Santeena Morris, Mason Sylvester, Waylon Fortier, Mark Everett Fortier and 2 Great Grandchildren Makaio Morris and Landon Morris. Many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his Parents: Norman York Jr and Margaret “Peggy” York, Sister: Carol Wheelock, brothers: Tony and Billy York, his in-laws: Florence & Richard Meigs and brother-in-law: Ray Meigs.

Funeral Services with Military Honors will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. Aaron Kyu Yi officiating.  Future interment will take place at the Lyndon Center Cemetery.

Friends may call on the family Tuesday evening, June 4th from 5-7PM on at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, VT.  

Memorial donations may be made in Buzzy’s name to the Grace United Methodist Church, 36 Central Street in St. Johnsbury, VT. 

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com